Heated middleweight rivals Michael Bisping (L) and Tim Kennedy will square off in the TUF Nations Finale main event later today at Colisee Pepsi in Quebec City.

Stuck at work and can't watch the fights live? Don't worry, Keyboard Kimura has you covered with a fight-by-fight account of all the action from the TUF Nations Finale at Colisee Pepsi in Quebec City. Live coverage begins at 11:45am PT.

There are few things in life I enjoy more than an afternoon spent on the couch, my faithful hound by my side, as we watch fights.

One of those few things is having that scenario play out in the middle of the week, as it does today with the TUF Nations Finale.

Because it’s a mid-week card, today’s event hasn’t gotten the coverage and credit it deserves, but this is a really good collection of fights. A total of 13 bouts will hit the Octagon this afternoon (and evening) at Colisee Pepsi in Quebec City, many of which will feature fighters from North of the Border competing on home soil, including both pairs of competitors vying for entry into the fraternity of Ultimate Fighter winners.

While the Canadian content is certainly of interest to me, the two most intriguing match-ups of the card are two of the pairings that do not include a Canadian fighter.

The featherweight match-up between Dustin Poirier and Akira Corassani is a strange contest on paper—Poirier standing at No. 6 in the featherweight rankings, coming off a dominant win over Diego Brandao, while Corassani is unranked and coming off a disqualification win over Maximo Blanco where the wild Venezuelan swarmed him early, only to land an illegal knee that brought the fight to a close.

In speaking with Poirier prior to this contest, the American Top Team representative acknowledged the alignment is a bit off, but recognized that the situation makes it even more important for him, as a loss to the Ultimate Fighter Season 14 alumnus would be more damaging than dropping a fight to one of the five men ahead of him in the divisional rankings.

Add in that things got heated between the two at weigh-ins yesterday and you have a bout I can’t wait to see.

I’ve felt that way about the headlining act from the time it was announced.

For the myriad reasons people dislike (or outright despise) Michael Bisping, one thing that can’t be taken away from “The Count” is that he’s been a Top 10 competitor in the UFC for nearly a decade and that’s something not a lot of people can say.

Tim Kennedy actively pursued this fight, and now that he’s gotten his wish, the Army Ranger has to prove that he up to the task of turning aside the Brit and taking the next step forward in the deepening middleweight division.

From a stylistic standpoint, this should be a chess match, as neither fighter is dominant in one area, but both are skilled everywhere. Bisping is the cleaner, more technical striker, but Kennedy should have an edge in the grappling department, and both are noted for their conditioning, which means this appears to be a stalemate that could be decided by intangibles and old school force of will.

The action gets underway on UFC Fight Pass beginning at 3:15pm ET/12:15pm PT before shifting to Sportsnet 360/FoxSports 1 for the duration of the event at 5pm ET/2pm PT.

I’ll be back 30 minutes before we get started to offer some pre-event picks for the performance bonuses and quick predictions.

See you soon!

Hump Day! Fight Day!

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Alrighty boys and girls, we’re about 15 minutes away from the start of the event, so it’s a perfect time for predictions.

Fight of the Night: Bisping vs. Kennedy

While I think Kaufman vs. Smith will be a close, entertaining scrap, the UFC has been favouring main card contests heavily this year, and five-round affairs that go the distance usually get the nod. It sucks, but that’s reality and I’m looking to make accurate calls, not tell you who I think should win.

Performance of the Night: Dustin Poirier and Sheldon Westcott

I think Poirier rips through Akira Corassani and does so in impressive fashion, netting himself a bonus in the process. While Westcott could struggle with Elias Theodorou’s grinding style, he’s a finisher, and getting a stoppage to win a TUF contract could net him some extra cash as well.

Round 1: The opening round of the first fight of the night featured the Canadian Gagnon getting the better of thing, working the body with kicks and heavy hands before searching for a guillotine choke for more than a minute. While he couldn’t connect his hands, Gagnon was on the offensive. Once they were back up on the feet, it was more of the same, with Gorman eating more shots the body and a stiff left hook up high. 10-9 Gagnon.

Round 2: Gorman came out more aggressive in Round Two, searching for the single leg early, but his attack backfired, as Gagnon threatened with a high-elbow guillotine, blasting Gorman with a knee in close as he dipped for the single again. Gorman dropped to his back, allowing the Canadian to do some work from inside his guard, but the two were quickly back to their feet, with Gorman pressing Gagnon into the cage, forcing a break from referee Dan Miragliotta. Late in the frame, Gagnon pulled for the guillotine again, but lost it, adjusting to an armlock, but nothing was there either. The round closed with Gorman on top, but Gagnon clearly the more active and effective of the two. 10-9 Gagnon, 20-18 Gagnon overall.

Round 3: Gorman looks the fresher of the two to start the round, but a sharp left hand from Gagnon makes him pause on the way in, allowing the Canadian to work the takedown. Gorman back to his feet, pressing Gagnon into the fence. Nothing doing on the single leg. Elbow to the side of the head from Gagnon, Gorman still hunting for the takedown, but can’t complete. Gagnon circles off and lands to the body. Left uppercut lands. Again. Front headlock from Gagnon, Gorman back to his feet. Halfway home. Uppercuts from Gagnon coming forward, Gorman turns him into the cage.

Nothing happening and Miragliotta separates them off the fence. Gagnon hits the double leg, putting Gorman down in the center of the cage. 90 seconds. Triangle hunt for Gorman, but Gagnon defends, content to ride this out from top position. 30 seconds. Elbow from Gagnon. Gorman’s looking for openings, but nothing there. Gagnon postures, lands one last left at the horn. 10-9 Gagnon, 30-27 Gagnon overall on my card.

Analysis: Strong overall showing from Gagnon, who pushed a good pace and showed his well rounded skill set. That’s three in a row for the fighter from Sudbury, who has been limited to fighting in Canada the last couple years because of troubles getting a VISA, but he’s in line for a step up in competition next time out. Gorman was game, but never really a threat, and given that this was his post-TUF tryout, there is a chance he won’t be back.

Chris Indich (6-1 MMA, 0-0 UFC) vs. Richard Walsh (7-1 MMA, 0-0 UFC)

Philippe Chartier is the third man in the cage.

Round 1: Right hand lands for Indich, Walsh in on a takedown. Shut down, into the clinch, Walsh bullying around the cage a little. Looks for a throw, stuffed, Indich back up. Knee inside from Walsh, followed by two left hands. Back into space. Outside let kick for Walsh. Indich moving well, but Walsh drives through a takedown along the cage. Indich back to his feet, grabs the guillotine, Walsh fights his way out. Two down, three to go. Knee on the way up from Walsh, who is clearly the stronger of the two in the clinch. Short left for Walsh. High crotch takedown for Walsh, but Indich is up quickly.

Into space, two minutes and change. Walsh coming forward, in on the takedown again, and dumps Indich. Side control near the fence. Warning from the ref to work (LAME!), Indich scrambles up. Indich reverses off the cage, eats a knee, but separates, only momentarily though. Another takedown. Indich in for the choke again, Walsh defending and pops his head out. Lefts from Walsh. Upkick from Indich. HORN! 10-9 Walsh.

Round 2: Left hand lands for Walsh, and it backs up Indich. Walsh presses forward into the cage, throwing short lefts in close. Uppercut lands for Walsh. One to the body. Indich bleeding from the mouth now. Left hand from Walsh up top as Indich tries to talk to the referee. Left hand from Indich as they break. Walsh stalking, Indich moves to the center. Right hand over the top from Walsh hurts Indich. Three to go. Body kick from Walsh lands stiff. Stiff jab from Walsh, right follows. Speed is killing Indich. Walsh into the clinch. Chartier warns them to work. Two minutes. Indich reverses off the cage. Short lefts from Walsh in close. Walsh spins out, lands a right. Indich reverses on the cage again, but not offering a lot of offence. Walsh turns him back to the cage. Body-head with the left. Short elbow lands. Again. Again with impact. 30 seconds. Indich is wearing it, but hanging tough. Walsh pouring it on with hands and knees to the body. Horn may have saved Indich. 10-9 Walsh, 20-18 Walsh overall.

Round 3: Walsh still looks fresh; Indich, not so much, but he’s not backing down either. 1-2, takedown attempt from Walsh puts Indich on the cage. Short elbow in close for Walsh. Indich switches on the cage. Walsh counters with an uchi mata, landing in side control. Chartier warns right away, as always. Walsh around to the back as Indich tries to stand. Lets is go to work from the front along the cage. Knees to the body from Walsh. Right hands land, Indich reverses. Walsh counters a takedown attempt, landing in half mount. Indich gives up his back. Walsh working left hands. 90 seconds. Indich up, Walsh faces. Warning from Chartier. Elbow up top from Walsh lands flush. One minute. Knee up high followed by a right. Grinding in the clinch on the cage. Break into space for the horn. 10-9 Walsh, 30-27 Walsh overall.

Analysis: Very good performance from Walsh here, showing great conditioning and a strong clinch game. He bullied Indich throughout, controlling the cage from the start, never letting his countryman establish a rhythm.

Vik Grujic (6-2 MMA, 0-0 UFC) vs. Nordine Taleb (8-2 MMA, 0-0 UFC)

This one is curious to me because Taleb is part of the “trying to get into the house” contingent on tonight’s debut episode of The Ultimate Fighter Season 19. Makes me think he doesn’t win his qualification fight, which makes this one more important.

Dan Miragliotta handles the officiating duties here.

Round 1: Taleb looks the best I’ve ever seen him, and I’ve seen a lot of his fights. Collar tie up and both land in close. Grujic lunging forward, misses with the right. Body kick from Grujic blocked. Feints and finding range right now. Jab lands for Taleb, who is starting to cut off the cage. Grujic rushes forward with hooks, nothing lands. Two down. Another rush of hooks avoided by Taleb, who ducks under for the takedown. Taleb pulls the legs out, keeping Grujic on the ground. Body shots from Taleb on top as Grujic looks for an armbar to no avail. Taleb postures, buries an elbow. 90 seconds. Grujic trying to stand, but Taleb staying heavy, working short shots in tight. Grujic works to his feet. 30 seconds. Into space. Right hand on the chin from Taleb just before the horn. 10-9 Taleb.

Round 2: High kick from Grujic misses. Grujic tries for a side kick, Taleb moves and scoops him for a takedown, ending up in Grujic’s guard. The Aussie looking for space, but Taleb staying tight, keeping busy. Back to their feet, knee inside from Taleb. Trip takedown from Taleb, into half guard. Taleb working short shots from top position. Two minutes left. More control and short shots from the top. Grujic just can’t find space or power out. Grujic gets back to guard. One minute. Elbows from top for Taleb land solid. Body shots and another elbow. HORN! 10-9 Taleb, 20-18 Taleb overall.

Round 3: Grujic out quick with a flurry again, nothing serious lands. Taleb for the takedown, but he’s turned back. Grujic pressing forward more here, but Taleb backs him off with a jab. Grujic can’t get inside to land, forced to rush in with hooks, and it’s not working. Left lands for Grujic. Grujic attempts the takedown, Taleb counters, ends up on top. Pass to half guard, elbow from top for Taleb. Posture and elbow from Taleb along the cage. Halfway done. Knee to the body from Taleb. Back to guard. Left hands from Taleb. Body-head, lather, rinse, repeat on both sides. 90 seconds. Big elbow over the top lands hard. Taleb using his strength and positioning to grind this out from the top, chipping away throughout. Another elbow for Taleb. One from the right side cuts open Grujic and we’re done. 10-9 Taleb, 30-27 Taleb overall.

Analysis: A strong showing for Taleb, who was probably a little more cautious than normal given the importance of this fight. He’s a bully from top position and has good length for the division as well, so there is room for him to grow going forward. Now it’s time to see if he makes it into the house on TUF 19 tonight, which seems unlikely, given that he just fought and won, but who knows.

Round 1: DLT throwing hands early, Bocek obliging, and shakes him with a right. Now Bocek in on a single, drags DLT to the canvas. Back up quickly, but Bocek sticky on his hip. Scoop and takedown again, but DLT gets back up. Bocek drags him down with a single, DLT back up again. Uppercut in close for Bocek. Elbow over the top from Bocek. DLT counters a takedown attempt, lands on top throwing hands. Clinched, Bocek in front on the cage. Knee from Bocek, uppercut follows. DLT in front, but Bocek the more active of the two. Uppercut again for Bocek. Right hand for Bocek in space. 90 seconds. Left hook for DLT, who has found his rhythm and range. Both throwing, Bocek ducks in for a takedown, but he’s stuffed. One minute. DLT counters to the front on the cage, but Bocek reverses again. Jab lands for DLT. Right for Bocek, one for DLT. Bocek busted up a little at the horn. 10-9 Bocek.

Round 2: Bocek dives in on the hips, dumps DLT, but he’s back up right away. Bocek powers him down, DLT up again. Knee inside from Bocek. Elbow from Bocek. DLT reverse, but can’t control. Break into space. Uppercut from DLT lands. Bocek drives for another takedown, but DLT defends. Break free again. DLT looking for hands, Bocek looking tired and frustrated. Right for DLT. Lunging hook glances. Right hand counters for Bocek. Takedown stuffed. 90 seconds. Right for Bocek, DLT counters with jabs. Uppercut lands again for DLT. Right from Bocek over the top connects. Short jab again for DLT. Late push from DLT with hands into the clinch. Bocek avoids to the horn. Bocek is wearing it. 10-9 DLT, 19-19 overall.

Round 3: Left hand lands for DLT; range is hurting Bocek. Bocek with the takedown, DLT right back up, fights free into space. DLT landing with hands, opening up Bocek more. Takedown attempt from Bocek again, DLT defends, breaks into space once more. Knee to the body as Bocek comes in from DLT. Two down, three to go. Knee from Bocek in close. Right from Bocek lands, but not a lot on it. DLT counters with a snapping jab. Left from Bocek connects. Uppercut straightens out Bocek as he dips in. Bocek drives in again, DLT denies the takedown, but gives up his back standing. Turns back into Bocek on the cage. Bocek trying for the takedown, but it’s not there. Right hand lands for Bocek in space. Another takedown attempt, denied, but he jumps onto DLT’s back. Short elbows from the backpack position for Bocek at the horn. Fun fight! 10-9 Bocek, 29-28 Bocek overall.

Analysis: The big story here is the strong showing from De La Torre on short notice up in weight. Bocek is a crafty vet and did what he needed to do in order to secure the win in the third, but this was a quality performance from the MMA Lab newcomer.

Sportsnet 360 Prelims

Good, not great start to the card as the first three fights felt like the winners were being a little safe in order to ensure they get the win. It’s understandable given two of the three were TUF Nations battles, but still. Bocek and DLT threw down a little more, with the Canadian getting the win to move the home team to 3-0 so far on the night.

I really shouldn’t do this because it’s always a curse, but I’m 4-0 with my predictions through the opening four bouts.

These next four fights should be a little more explosive, as everyone is pretty secure in their place on the roster and/or in need of a big performance in order to move forward. Should be fun.

Round 1: Roop pressing forward behind a jab. Body kick for Roop, Kimura misses with an overhand right. Roop doing a good job using his length so far, keeping Kimura outside. Kimura catches a body kick, in on the single, spins Roop to the ground. Up, kimura dumps him again. Kimura in with a right hand. Roop stands, pressing Kimura into the fence. Roop with the takedown, into guard. Two minutes left. Left hand from Roop. Kimura looking for space, nothing there yet. Roop puts him on his back again. One minute. Elbow from Roop over the top. Another one inside as Kimura looks to work with his legs. Elbow on the right side from Roop lands clean. Another big elbow from Roop. One more. HORN! 10-9 Roop.

Round 2: Roop moving forward behind long attacks. Kimura gets inside, but can’t do anything. Jab for Roop. Kick from Roop lands outside. Kimura ducks under as Roop presses in, but he can’t get the takedown. Roop out front on the cage, lands two short punches as they circle off. Two down. Jab from Roop stops Kimura coming forward. Leaping left connects for the Hawaiian. Another lunging left lands, backing up Roop. Kimura in on the legs, gets Roop to the ground. Kimura postures up and Roop stands quickly. Roop defends, but slips, and Kimura tries to take his back along the cage. 90 seconds. Back control for Kimura now, looking for the choke. Roop out the backdoor as Kimura tried to move to mount. Right hand from Roop, and a knee coming in. 10-9 Kimura, 19-19 overall.

Round 3: Left hook lands for Roop, works it into a takedown. Kimura trying to find space, but Roop staying heavy, working from top position. Elbows from Roop as he postures up. Kimura looking to sit up, nothing there. Roop staying busy with left hands, switching to elbows, alternating sides. Big welt growing on Kimura’s head now as Roop continues to work away from top position. Two minutes left. Another elbow from Roop, who continues to do a good job using his size and leverage. Roop steps over to half guard, more elbows. One minute. Kimura still looking, but nothing there. Steady work from Roop on top. Strong showing in the swing round from the TUF veteran to earn the win. 10-9 Roop, 29-28 Roop overall.

Analysis: This was one of Roop’s better performances in the UFC as he used his length and size advantage to nullify Kimura on the ground. He showed improved understanding of range standing, keeping the Hawaiian on the outside, and landed some nasty elbows from top position, especially in the third. Good win… and there goes my unbeaten prediction run, as expected.

Ryan Jimmo (18-3 MMA, 2-2 UFC) vs. Sean O’Connell (15-4 MMA, 0-0 UFC)

Dan Miragliotta is the referee.

Round 1: Jimmo looking for the headkick early, slipped, but gets back up. O’Connell pushes Jimmo into the cage. Knees to the body from Jimmo. Reverses O’Connell into the fence. Clean break into space. Right hand lands for Jimmo, who looks comfortable switching stances. Right from O’Connell lands solid. On the fence, O’Connell out front. Two down. Knee from Jimmo. Body shot for O’Connell. Clinch fighting on the cage, exchanging body shots. O’Connell lands low and we have a break.

Back at it, Jimmo bleeding under his left eye, drives through a takedown, but O’Connell right back up. O’Connell reverses Jimmo onto the cage. 90 seconds. Knees to the body from Jimmo, who does a good job of staying busy fighting off the fence. Broken into space, O’Connell eats a right hand (and the elbow on the follow through) coming in and he’s rocked. Two shots follow on the ground and we’re done.

Analysis: Jimmo needed that kind of finish after a couple rough losses that were injury-aided. He has all the talent in the world, but often gets too comfortable being conservative and fighting safe, but he made the most of the break and showed off his power with a nasty right hand that put O’Connell out. It was an even back-and-forth before that, so taking advantage of the opening was crucial.

Got to run out and pick up Mrs. Keyboard Kimura from work… hopefully I don’t miss too much of the next fight. Glad they’re going back to the studio after the break, buys me a little extra time.

Walked in with 30 seconds left in this one as fellow Victoria resident Kaufman lands a final flurry against Smith. Hitting Twitter, it sounds like the ZUMA rep controlled throughout and should collect a unanimous decision win.

Analysis: That’s a Performance of the Night bonus guaranteed, and oddly similar to Stout’s KO against Yves Edwards. Tremendous finish for Noons, who was on a rough stretch prior to getting a win last time out, now he suddenly looks like someone to keep an eye on going forward in the division. Title threat? Probably not, but he’s got very good hands and doesn’t mind standing in there.

Main Card

We’ve got a little break before the main card starts, so some quick thoughts on what we’ve seen and what is still to come.

Jimmo and Noons are your Performance of the Night frontrunners so far, but the high profile fights are still to come, and they usually do well when it comes to extra cash.

Kaufman looked solid (from what I heard) in a typical performance for her—solid boxing, high volume, good pace, but no finish. That’s going to limit her upside unfortunately simply because the UFC favours finishes.

Reports indicate a pretty sparse turn out in Quebec City, which isn’t hard to understand. It’s Wednesday afternoon (evening now) and people are at work, so packing the Colisee Pepsi was going to be hard. As much as I love watching these fights midweek from home, you have to wonder if the UFC will reconsider these shows going forward since the last few have been light at the box office.

TUF retrospective was really cool, aside from Dana going to the “biggest sport in the world” line at the end.

Round 1: Right hand offered by Corassani to start. Poirier stalking, Corassani trading with him, looking to land a big shot. Poirier looking to put together combinations, pressing forward. Clinched up, Corassani turns him into the cage, Poirier turns out and they break. Jab from Poirier lands clean. One to the body for Corassani. Left hand lands for Corassani as Poirier stepped in getting impatient. Poirier is wobbly and not fully recovered yet. Halfway point of the round. Poirier looks okay now, coming forward. Right hook lands up top for Corassani. Left hand from Poirier lands clean down the middle, but he’s got to be careful running in. They’re slinging leather,Poirier getting the better of it, but Corassani lands a big right at the exit point. One minute. Poirier grabs a headlock, looking to set up the D’Arce choke. Switches to the Peruvian necktie. Corassani out of it, but he’s busted up. What a great round! 10-9 Poirier.

Round 2: Corassani circling away, Poirier stalking to start. Combo lands for Poirier coming in. Uppercut snaps the head back and Corassani is in trouble. Poirier swarms, Corassani wilts, and we’re done. Great finish from “The Diamond” who continues to improve and impress.

Analysis: Overall, a very good performance from Poirier, although he was a little loose early and nearly paid for it. That said, he recovered and poured it on over the final half of the first round to win the frame, and was in kill mode from the start of the second. This was a dangerous fight that nearly went sideways, but he got the win and the finish, and should be in the hunt of a big fight later this year.

Welterweight TUF Nations Finale time. Yves Lavigne is the third man in the Octagon.

Round 1: Touch of gloves and we’re underway. Southpaw for OAM. High kick offered by OAM. Inside from Laprise. Again. OAM goes high again. Left hand from OAM. Laprise back inside with the leg kick. Once more. OAM dives in, Laprise stuffs, but they’re clinched. Now free. Laprise is cut under the eye. Oli chants in Quebec City. Two down. Right hand for Laprise glances. Lead hook for OAM lands. Laprise with a short right rushing forward. OAM with a shot, Laprise stuffs, lands two uppercuts. Inside leg kick again for the Ontario native. Right hand for Laprise lands. One minute. Body kick from OAM. Lead hook lands as well. Left hand connects quickly. Right-left from Laprise lands, followed with another leg kick. Two rights from Laprise at the horn. 10-9 Laprise.

Round 2: Right hand for Laprise connects clean. Left from OAM touches clean. Both swinging a little more freely here. Inside leg kick lands for Laprise. Takedown attempt from OAM, Laprise denying, but OAM works through and gets him down. OAM ties up the neck, sits into a guillotine, but misses it. Laprise up and out to space. Right to the body for Laprise. OAM coming forward, but Laprise working laterally, keeping him off balance. Both have slowed a little here. Body shot lands for OAM, Laprise counters by coming forward with combinations. Kick to the body from OAM, followed by a left. Right to the body from Laprise. Right hook connects for OAM, but nothing much on it. Uppercut connects for Laprise. Big right hand from Laprise, partially blocked, but still connects. Jab for OAM lands. Laprise connects inside with a hook. Straight right coming forward finds a home for Laprise. Inside leg kick throws off OAM’s timing. Combo from Laprise. HORN! 10-9 Laprise, 20-18 Laprise.

Round 3: Superman punch from OAM to start. Drives in on a takedown, but Laprise defends. Left hand glances for OAM. OAM catches a kick and puts Laprise on the mat. Laprise gets up, OAM chases and trying to lace his legs to take the back. Laprise turns out into space. Three left. Body kick from OAM, twice. Laprise’s output has dropped. Knee from Laprise. Right hand connects for OAM on the break. Right down the middle for Laprise. Both getting a little loose with their hands here. Combo connects for Laprise, stuffs the takedown attempt. Catches a kick and dumps OAM to the mat, makes him stand. 90 seconds. Right uppercut stings Laprise. No urgency from OAM though. Presses forward, Laprise lands and circles out. Right hand lands for Laprise and he’s trying to open up down the stretch. Spinning back kick lands. 20 seconds. Second spin misses. Laprise keeps throwing to the horn. 10-9 Laprise, 30-27 Laprise overall.

Analysis: Quality outing from Laprise, who deserved this win throughout the season. The most technical striker in the house, he showed that here, using combinations and strong movement to score repeatedly and avoid any real danger. He’s moving down to lightweight going forward, so it will be interesting to see how his skills play out in the deepest division in the UFC.

Round 1: Westcott across the cage quickly and they lock up, trading shots in close. Westcott controlling the over-under, takes Theodorou to the canvas. Moving to take the back. Sits into it, hooks in. Westcott backpacking Theodorou, who is working 2-on-1 against the right hand. Westcott looking for the choke or the crank. Two down, three to go. Westcott dumped off and Theodorou landing some ground-and-pound, backs into space. Knee to the midsection hurt Westcott. Another one upstairs that looked close to being illegal. Westcott looking for the takedown again along the cage, well defended thus far by Theodorou. 90 seconds. Theodorou puts him on his back, looking to jump in with strikes. One minute. They’re up. Right ahdn lands for Westcott. Outside leg kick for Theodorou, who looks fresh, while Westcott has slowed right down. Two kicks, right hand at the horn for Theodorou. 10-9 Theodorou.

Round 2: Knee to the body from Theodorou, who is countering well, connecting in bunches. Theodorou ducks under, takes the back standing. Scoops Westcott and dumps him. Again. Now Westcott in on the legs, but he looks tired. Westcott gets the scoop, drops to a guillotine, but it’s not there. Right hand from Theodorou from top position along the cage. Chartier makes Westcott stand. Two down, three to go. Combinations from Theodorou coming forward, big knees and another scoop slam. Westcott is spent. Theorodorou stacks the legs, lasers a right hand through. Elbow from the top. Mount for Theodorou. Westcott spins, gives up his back. 90 seconds. Half guard now, Theodorou dropping elbows and short punches. “Hi Mom!” from Theodorou. More GnP and Chartier is taking a look. We’re done!

Analysis: Great performance from “The Spartan,” who stayed calm during the early swarm and dominated from there out, earning the victory, the contract, and another victory. This was his most impressive outing to date, as he’s previously been averse to opening up and taking chances, but he did that here and it paid off in spades. Westcott has potential and should stick around, but this was a wash after the first three minutes as Ontario claims both trophies.

Patrick Cote (19-8 MMA, 6-8 UFC) vs. Kyle Noke (20-6-1 MMA, 4-2 UFC)

Dan Miragliotta is your referee.

Round 1: “Cote!” cheers ringing through the building as we start. Low kick almost leads to a break, but Cote wants to keep going. Noke snaps a kick out that lands hard. Push kick to the body from Noke. Right hand from Cote coming forward, another staggers Noke a little. Noke catches the kick, into the clinch. Knees to the thigh from Noke and they break into space. Jumping knee from Noke misses. Side kick keeps Cote in space. Cote catches a kick, spins Noke to the ground, Noke looking for a choke, but it’s not there. Cote into Noke’s guard. Halfway point of the round. Elbow over the top from Cote. Noke throwing the legs up high, looking for the armbar, but it’s not there. Another heavy elbow over the top rom Cote. More ground and pound from Cote, grinding from guard, working over Noke, shutting down his attempts. Right hand lands for “The Predator.” One minute. Another right lands for Cote. Noke threatens the triangle, Cote postures out. More elbows from Cote land. HORN! 10-9 Cote.

Round 2: Cote stalking forward. Body kick for Noke. Cote rushes forward, eats a nasty knee. Noke spins him off from the takedown attempt and keeps throwing hands. Cote cut on the side of the head, looks to be recovered from the knee. Stomp kick to the leg buckles Cote’s knee.Right hand lands for Noke as well, Cote counters with a hook of his own. Body kick from Noke, Cote uses it to get inside and get the takedown. Into guard. Two minutes and change left. Elbow over the top for Cote. Noke throwing legs high, but nothing there. 90 seconds. Elbow from Cote lands hard. Two more. Noke gets his back to the cage, trying to stand. Knee to the body from Cote. Noke up, into space. 30 seconds. Body kick from Noke the last strike of the round. 10-9 Noke, 19-19 overall.

Round 3: This one decides it on my card. Cote pressing forward, looks for the single, not there. Lots of kicks from Noke to keep Cote outside. Noke circles away from the rush, catches a right. Cote crashes in, Noke defends the shot along the cage. Two down, three left. Noke spins out. Knee glances for Noke. Inside leg kick lands clean for Noke. Left hand connects for Noke. Stomp kick. Cote can’t get inside to land. Cote catches the outside leg kick, twists Noke to the ground with under two minutes to go. Cote jumps over to half guard, Noke re-guards. Short shots from Cote on top. 60 seconds. Elbow from Cote opens up Noke at the hairline. 30 seconds. Noke gets to a knee, but Cote stays sticky through to the horn. 10-9 Cote, 29-28 Cote overall for me.

Analysis: Clean sweep for the Canadians on the night, and a solid win for Cote, who did a good job of playing to his strengths and effectively using the takedown to control chunks of each round. He’s a little old to make a run in such a deep and athletic division, but Cote is a solid middle tier talent that can be a measuring stick for up and comers going forward.

As much as I enjoy midweek fight cards, this has been an annoying main card — lots of dragged out moments and breaks, but unless there is a finish, the event will go over its time slot and push the premiere of The Ultimate Fighter 19 back… and it happens every time the UFC has these kinds of shows.

It makes no sense — always easier to fill on the back end if things go quickly, rather than running over because you’re done a 10-minute preview of UFC 172 and a bunch of studio stuff. While I love Greg Jackson, getting this pre-fight interview in there isn’t really necessary, is it?

/rant.

Yves Lavigne with the main event assignment in Quebec City.

Round 1: Bisping offers a high kick to start, blocked. Kennedy in on a single, switching to a double along the cage, dumps him to the ground and drags the legs out from under him. Kennedy into half guard, trying to turn Bisping away from the fence. Kennedy trying to climb over the leg into mount. Left hand for Kennedy lands, Bisping stopping the pass though. Bisping gets to butterflies, kicks off, nearly up, but Kennedy drives back in, pulls the legs out again. Bisping stands, Kennedy takes the back standing. Knees to the backside. Two minutes left. Kennedy dumps him again, fans booing the grappling. Kennedy trying to pass, Bisping doing a good job switching half guards. Kennedy into mount with a minute left. Bisping tries to buck, can’t shake him. Bisping rolls, giving up the back. 30 seconds. Bisping gets back to half guard. Kennedy with hands and an elbow in the dying seconds. 10-9 Kennedy.

Round 2: Kennedy letting Bisping come forward, standing very flat-footed right now, parrying everything Bisping offers. Uppercut from Kennedy, left from Bisping. Right hand for Kennedy connects. High kick glances from the Army Ranger. Bisping still coming forward, lands a 1-2. Kennedy trying to be patient, bait Bisping in. Kennedy on a single, Bisping defending. Halfway point. Kennedy with the body lock, but they break. Jump knee from Bisping glances. Right hand counter from Bisping connects. Left hand follows. 90 seconds. Left from Bisping lands, Kennedy trying to counter but can’t. Left hook finds a home for “The Count.” Right hand from Kennedy just misses. 30 seconds. Kennedy hunting for the overhand right, but Bisping sniping him right now on the feet. 10-9 Bisping, 19-19 overall.

Round 3: Kennedy already coming forward more than he did in Round 2. Right hand lands stiff for Bisping. Kennedy with the right hand, ducks under for the takedown. Bisping on his back with half guard. Kennedy looking to keep Bisping on the canvas, grinding, trying to advance. Knee slide to side control for Kennedy. Fans booing, but this is hard work. Lefts from Kennedy with three minutes left. Bisping looking for the kimura, Kennedy powers out. Bisping defending on the ground well, Kennedy working the body and head intermittently. Kennedy flattens him back out to Bisping’s dismay. Mount for Kennedy with 1:45 left. Elbow from Kennedy. Again. Bisping works to the fence, gets to half guard. Kennedy moves to mount again. Bisping trying to buck, slips out the back, Kennedy gets back to side control. Right hands from Kennedy on top. 10-9 Kennedy, 29-28 Kennedy through Round 3.

Round 4: Right hand for Bisping, Kennedy whiffs on the counter. Kennedy dives on a single, Bisping defends, backed into the cage. Stuffed, but Kennedy is relentless, around to the back with the body lock. Back out front, Bisping fights off the takedown and moves to the center. Kennedy backing up again, letting Bisping come in, looking to counter. Dual right hands glancing, one each. Halfway home in Round 4. Pace has slowed here. Kennedy lands a right hand, Bisping circling away. Kennedy drives in, but Bisping defends the takedown again. Left hand for Bisping, countered by Kennedy. Combo from “The Count.” Right hand lands for Kennedy and Bisping is stung. 60 seconds. Right hand blasts Bisping, returned, but with less power. High kick for Bisping. Another right from Kennedy connects. Right from Bisping, and clips with a short right on the horn. 10-9 Kennedy, 39-37 Kennedy through Round 4.

Round 5: Right hand from each, Bisping backed up a little. Kennedy slipping shots, follows the right hand into a body lock, dumps Bisping to the ground. He stands, Kennedy on his hips, trip takedown brings it back to the canvas. Right into mount for Kennedy along the cage. Bisping slips out the back door, Kennedy working to take the back. Now around the face on the canvas again. Crowd booing. Brutal. Another slide pass into mount. Bisping regains half guard. Halfway home through the final round. Bisping lobbies, Lavigne stands them up. Body kick from Kennedy. Bisping slides out of the takedown attempt. Combo lands for Bisping, ending with a kick. 90 seconds. High kick from Bisping. Left hook from Kennedy. One minute. Right hand over the top from Kennedy. Bisping trying to press forward, left hand connects. Another left lands, Kennedy is tired, but we’re done. HORN! Boos from the crowd. 10-9 Kennedy, 49-46 Kennedy overall.

Analysis: Uneven performance in the win for Kennedy, who seemed to take a round off early and fade down the stretch. His wrestling and control on the ground served him well in the final frame, and he earns the biggest win over his career. He’s a durable, well-rounded talent, so it will be interesting to see how things go higher up the ladder next time out. Tough loss for Bisping after a year on the shelf, and one that could bump him out of the contender mix for a little bit.

That’s it for me — thanks for sticking around today… another live blog coming for Saturday’s event from Orlando.

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